Driver `Critical' In R.309 Pileup

January 12, 1995|The Morning Call

A Bethlehem driver was critically hurt Tuesday in a five-vehicle accident that closed Route 309 in both directions for about two hours.

Nir Stalkol, 21, and Perkasie motorist Joe Roebuck, 51, were flown by helicopter to Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. Stalkol was in critical but stable condition, and Roebuck was listed in stable condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Two other drivers also were hurt in the accident.

Wendy Walsh, 29, of North Wales, and Alvin Hudson, 23, of Sicklersville, N.J., were taken to North Penn Hospital, Lansdale, Montgomery Township police said. Walsh was held overnight for observation, and Hudson was treated and released, a hospital spokeswoman said yesterday.

A fifth driver, Kelly Rines, 24, of Ambler, was not hurt.

Police said that Walsh was stopped about 6:05 p.m. northbound on Route 309 in the passing lane to turn left onto Keystone Drive when her minivan was struck from the rear by Roebuck, who also was driving a minivan. Roebuck failed to stop behind Walsh, police said.

The impact sent Walsh's minivan into the southbound lane where it was struck by a station wagon driven by Stalkol. Walsh's minivan was struck again by Hudson's car. Hudson was southbound on Route 309. Rines, driving a sport utility vehicle, and also southbound, tried to avoid the other vehicles and struck a sign post and embankment, police said.

Roebuck, Walsh and Stalkol were extricated from their vehicles by Colmar Fire Company and Volunteer Medical Service Corps. of Lansdale.